Charlotte stands out as a city that offers more than just banking and sports. Its rich architecture, lively arts scene, and historic neighborhoods make it a fantastic destination for guided tours. Whether you’re into cultural explorations, ghost stories, or craft beer, Charlotte has a tour for you. We especially like the 90-minute Segway tour for its fun blend of history and modern sights, and the Charlotte Haunted Ghost Walk for a spooky, atmospheric stroll through the Fourth Ward. These experiences give you a taste of what makes Charlotte unique—its energy, history, and stories. And if you’re into craft beer, the Charlotte Brewery Tour offers a hands-on tasting adventure. Read on for a detailed look at the best tours to choose from.
Quick Overview
Charlotte’s tour options span urban sightseeing, history, haunted mysteries, and even nighttime comedy. For a quick adrenaline boost, consider the Segway tours—both the Uptown and historic options—offering a super fun way to see the city. If you prefer walking, the Ghost Walking Tour takes you into the city’s spooky side, revealing Charlotte’s haunted landmarks. Beer lovers should check out the Craft Beer Experience, while families and curious explorers will find the Vintage Cart Tour or City Bus Tour appealing. For a complete list, see the full breakdown below.
1. 90 Minute Historic Uptown Neighborhood Segway Tour of Charlotte
At number 1, this dynamic 1.5-hour Segway tour smoothly combines history, art, and city life. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll glide past the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, the Mint Museum, and the Gantt Center. For an extra dose of history, you can extend the tour to visit historic cemeteries and the Panthers’ stadium. Tour guide Wells, with his 25 years of experience, makes the ride entertaining and informative, sharing insights into Charlotte’s development. The easy-to-learn Segway makes this a good choice even for first-timers. With a 5-star rating from nearly 900 reviews, this tour offers a lively, active way to explore Charlotte’s vibrant arts district and historic sites.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers who want a balanced dose of culture and fun, all while cruising through Uptown’s highlights.
2. Carolina History and Haunts Charlotte Historical Ghost Walking Tour
Coming in at number 2, this 1.5-hour walking tour is ideal for those intrigued by Charlotte’s haunted past. Led through the Fourth Ward, the guide shares stories about Charlotte’s oldest mansions, ghost sightings, and Revolutionary war sites. The tour also includes a visit to the Old Settlers’ Cemetery, where creepy tales of spirits and history intertwine. Visitors frequently praise the enthusiastic guides, with one reviewer calling the guide “absolutely incredible.” This tour is great if you enjoy history with a spooky twist and don’t mind walking through historic neighborhoods.
Bottom line: A fun, atmospheric way to explore Charlotte’s haunted corners—perfect for history buffs with a taste for the supernatural.
3. Charlotte: Historical City Tour on Eco-Friendly Cart
At number 3, this 1.5-hour electric cart tour puts you right in the heart of Charlotte’s most iconic spots. The eco-friendly vehicle whisks you through the city’s wards, parks, and landmarks while you learn about Charlotte’s past, present, and future. This tour stands out for its quiet ride and informative narration—a relaxed alternative to more active options. Guests love the focus on local history and architecture, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience.
Bottom line: A good pick for visitors who want a relaxed, eco-conscious overview of Charlotte’s cityscape with friendly guides.
4. UPTOWN FUNK: 1 Hour Guided City Walking Tour in Charlotte
Number 4 on our list, this one-hour tour is a brisk introduction to Charlotte’s center city. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore Romare Bearden Park, the Bank of America Stadium, and the historic Old Settlers Cemetery. This tour is praised for its easy pace and engaging stories, making it a perfect quick fix for first-time visitors or those with limited time. Many reviewers highlight the friendly guide Hannah, who shares insider tips on local restaurants and spots to visit later.
Bottom line: A short but rich tour ideal for those wanting a quick, accessible introduction to Uptown Charlotte.
5. Trolley Pub Tour of Charlotte
Number 5 offers a 2-hour pub crawl on a pedal-powered trolley. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine sightseeing with social drinking. The guide plans a route based on rider requests, with stops for local craft beers. Guests love the lively atmosphere and the opportunity to sip while exploring. One reviewer called the experience “so much fun,” especially noting the music and friendly crowd. The tour’s flexible schedule means you can choose afternoon or evening times.
Bottom line: Best for groups or friends seeking a lively, social way to see Charlotte’s downtown with a drink in hand.
6. Charlotte Comedy City Tour
Number 6 offers an adults-only comedy tour that combines sightseeing and hilarious storytelling. Over 1.5 hours, the guide shares colorful tales of Charlotte’s neighborhoods and landmarks, all with a comedic twist. The bus is BYO beer or wine, creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Reviewers say the guide’s storytelling is “outstanding,” making this a unique way to experience Charlotte after dark. Note, this tour is not suitable for children due to its mature content.
Bottom line: Ideal for grown-ups who want to laugh while learning about Charlotte in a casual setting.
7. Charlotte’s Premier Historical City Bus Tour
Number 7 is a guided bus tour focusing on Charlotte’s top landmarks and cultural sites. In about 1 hour 25 minutes, you’ll see the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Panthers’ stadium, and historic districts like the 4th Ward. Many travelers praise the knowledgeable guide and comfortable vehicle, making it a stress-free way to cover many sights quickly. This tour offers a good overview for first-timers or those with limited time.
Bottom line: A comfortable, comprehensive introduction suited for travelers wanting a broad yet relaxed city overview.
8. Charlotte Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Number 8 blends ghost stories with pub visits over about 2 hours. Starting at the Dunhill Hotel, the tour explores Charlotte’s haunted sites while stopping at bars like Connolly’s for drinks. The guide recounts tales of ghostly apparitions, spirits, and spooky history, making it perfect for those who love a little paranormal with their drinks. Reviewers find the stories “fun and entertaining,” with one calling the guide “amazing.” It’s a lively, social way to explore Charlotte’s darker side.
Bottom line: Fun for those who want a spirited evening combining ghost stories with pub hopping.
9. Dead Funny Ghost Tour Of Charlotte
Number 9 is not your average ghost tour. It’s a comedy-filled, theatrical experience that mixes hilarious storytelling with haunted locations in Charlotte. Over an hour, you’ll hear about murder, ghostly sightings, and spectral bartenders in a lively, humorous setting. The tour is highly rated for its mordant humor and engaging actors. Perfect for those wanting laughter and spooks in equal measure with a focus on entertainment.
Bottom line: A unique, fun-filled option for adults seeking laughs and ghostly tales.
10. Charlotte: Historic Uptown 90-Minute Segway Tour
Number 10 repeats the popularity of Segway adventures with a slightly different focus. This 1.5-hour tour emphasizes Charlotte’s modern development, public art, and cultural hubs like Romare Bearden Park. It’s a great way to experience Charlotte’s blend of old and new with an emphasis on urban art and skyscrapers. Reviewers highlight the personalized experience and the ease of riding.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers wanting a modern, active tour that mixes cityscape and culture.
11. The Original Charlotte Brewery Tour – Craft Beer Experience
Number 11 is a five-hour craft beer tour visiting four local breweries, including Petty Thieves and Protagonist. It includes a meal at Midwood Smokehouse and beer sampling at each stop. Voted a “great experience” with small group attention, this tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts wanting to learn about Charlotte’s brewing scene firsthand. The guide Vinnie is called knowledgeable and fun, making the experience both educational and social.
Bottom line: Best suited for beer lovers who want a relaxed, in-depth brewery experience with food included.
12. Charlotte: Historical Southern Elegance Tour by Vintage Cart
Number 12 features a 75-minute ride in a vintage golf cart, exploring Charlotte’s historic districts and sports venues. The comfortable, spacious carts offer a leisurely way to see landmarks like the Hornets and Panthers stadiums, with the bonus of learning about local history from engaging guides. It’s a charming, laid-back alternative to walking or driving.
Bottom line: A relaxed, fun way to see Charlotte’s historic side with plenty of opportunities for photos and stories.
13. The Escape Game Concord: 60-Minute Adventures at Concord Mills
Number 13 appeals to puzzle and game lovers. Located at Concord Mills, the escape rooms like The Depths or Prison Break are designed for families or groups up to 12 players. With 45 reviews and perfect ratings, it offers thrilling, team-based challenges. It’s a different experience from city tours but excellent for interactive fun after shopping or dining.
Bottom line: Ideal for groups seeking activity-based entertainment with a puzzle-solving twist.
14. Charlotte: Historical City Tour by Shuttle Bus
Number 14 provides a 1.5-hour guided bus ride through Charlotte’s most popular neighborhoods and landmarks. It’s a straightforward way to get an overview of the city’s history and culture without much walking. Many reviews mention the knowledgeable guide and smooth ride as highlights, making it good for travelers with limited mobility.
Bottom line: Best for those who want a quick, comfortable introduction to Charlotte’s top spots.
15. Uptown Funk: 1 Hour Guided Walking Tour of Charlotte
Number 15 offers a one-mile walk featuring Charlotte’s history, arts, sports, and business highlights. The interactive stops and photo opportunities make it a lively, engaging experience. Reviewers appreciate the local knowledge and friendly pacing.
Bottom line: Perfect for newcomers wanting a quick, active glance at Charlotte’s core district.
16. Charlotte’s Ultimate Southern Charm Historical City Bus Tour
Number 16 is a comprehensive city bus tour focusing on Southern hospitality, Elvis, gold mining, and arts. It covers famous landmarks, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Fourth Ward. With perfect reviews and a well-paced itinerary, it’s a great way to experience Charlotte’s long-standing stories and southern charm.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, relaxing tour that dives into Charlotte’s most memorable stories, ideal for first-timers.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Charlotte, consider your interest level, physical activity preferences, and budget. If you love active sightseeing, the Segway tours (see here) or the Vintage Cart Tour (see here) are excellent choices. For those fascinated by spooky stories or ghost tales, the Ghost Walking Tour (see here) offers atmospheric fun. If beer is your passion, the Charlotte Brewery Tour (see here) delivers a relaxed, in-depth experience. Budget-conscious travelers might enjoy the guided city walking (see here) or the shuttle bus tour (see here).
Book early, especially for popular experiences like the Segway tour or brewery tour, as they fill quickly. Consider the time of day and your activity level—a lazy afternoon might suit the vintage cart ride, while an evening of laughs fits the comedy tour perfectly.
Charlotte offers a wide array of tours that suit every traveler’s taste—from active city explorers to history enthusiasts and night owls. For a lively start, the Segway tour sets a fun tone, while the Ghost Walks reveal a spookier side. For laid-back fun, the brewery tour and city bus rides provide relaxing ways to learn and enjoy. No matter your style, Charlotte’s tour scene invites you to dive into its stories, sights, and flavors. Don’t wait too long—these experiences are best booked in advance to ensure a smooth, memorable visit.